TWO Bury great grandmothers have raised over £600 for charity after asking for donations instead of presents for their birthdays.

Jean Thrower and Joy Dures celebrated a joint 80th birthday party at St John and St Mark's church hall on February 3.

The party was attended by more than 100 friends and family, who helped the two friends raise £640.

The pair then shared the cash between Bury Hospice and Streetwise 2000 — a Bury based charity which supports the health and wellbeing of young people in the borough.

Mrs Thrower, a retired district nurse who had also previously worked at Bury Hospice shops, said she and Mrs Dures were "absolutely thrilled with the money".

She added: "I would really like to thank everybody for their really nice donations, and I am sure Joy would like to second that.

"We would also like to thank everybody for coming to the party, because without people there is no party."

Mrs Thrower and Mrs Dures have been friends for over 20 years after meeting at St John and St Mark's church, and also share a grandchild and three great grandchildren after their children Fiona and Graham Dures were married.

Gemma Philburn, manager at Streetwise 2000, said: "We are absolutely overwhelmed by Jean and Joy's generosity. It is so thoughtful, and the young people have all arranged thank you cards.

"It is awesome to have the support from local residents and we wish them a massive happy birthday.

"We are going to use the money for a residential trip for young people with depression and anxiety."